(670 The Score) Since joining the Bears as a second-round pick in late April, rookie tackle Teven Jenkins has been billed as a mauler on the offensive line.
It's why the Bears' offseason program might not have exactly whet the appetite of Jenkins, who was first tasked with focusing on fundamentals like footwork and hand placement. He received glowing reviews from coach Matt Nagy for embracing the basics taught by offensive line coach Juan Castillo.
But like any offensive lineman, Jenkins is eager to practice with full contact in training camp.
"I've been missing that sound, missing that feeling," Jenkins said. "And I'm very excited to get back out there."
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When the Bears released veteran tackle Charles Leno Jr. days after trading up to draft Jenkins, it signaled their obvious intent for the rookie to start at left tackle. While Jenkins hasn't been officially anointed as the starter -- veteran tackle Elijah Wilkinson is a contingency option at the position -- the belief is that Jenkins is ready to handle the role in 2021 and beyond.
Jenkins worked in a rotation at left tackle during the Bears' offseason program, something he said that helped him adapt to the NFL speed.
Jenkins primarily played right tackle at Oklahoma State, a decision he made because of injuries on the Cowboys' offensive line. The Bears have no reservations about playing him at left tackle as a rookie, but he must earn the job in training camp.
The Bears had first-round grades on Jenkins, but as he fell into the second round, it became clear to general manager Ryan Pace that they couldn't miss out.
"A powerful tackle," Pace said in May. "You know, he can bend, he can play with leverage, he consistently moves guys out in the run game, which is awesome to see. Beyond that, he's got the athletic ability to get to the second level and block in space. In pass pro, a really good anchor so he handles power really well. And then of course he plays with a lot of toughness and finish. We went into this draft looking for that trait, and he definitely has that trait, that toughness, that nasty style of play."
With one month remaining until the start training camp, Jenkins is spending his time away from football in Dallas, where he will continue training while also enjoying some needed downtime.
But Jenkins can't be away from football that long. He's ready to take the field for training camp.
"It's just work for me and that's exactly what I need," Jenkins said.
"I just want to keep on perfecting my craft."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
